The statue of Coatlicue that made such an impression on Anzaldua is 2.7 meters (8.9 ft) tall and made of volcanic rock. Discovered accidentally in the early 19th century, it now resides in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

Coatlicue, the "Mother of Gods", is the Aztec goddess who gave birth to the moon, stars, and the god of the sun.